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• American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)
  includes:
  FREE Conservation Services Referral System
  available from FAIC (Foundation of the AIC)
  1717 K Street, NW, Suite 200
  Washington, DC (USA) 20006
  Phone: 202-452-9545
  Fax: 202-452-9328
  Web site: http://aic.stanford.edu
  E-mail: info@aic-faic.org
  This Institute (AIC) has many helpful pamphlets for your use. (I picked some up at a conference for artists about how to make lasting art. Much of the information on this page comes from such publications.)

• National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Properties (NIC)
  3299 K Street, NW, Suite 403
  Washington, DC (USA) 20007
  Phone: 202-625-1495
  Fax: 202-625-1485
  Mainly deals with national conservation and preservation needs; also offers bibliographies and other publications on related topics

• Getty Conservation Institute (GCI)
  4503 Glencoe Avenue
  Marina del Rey, California (USA) 90292
  Phone: 310-822-2299
  Fax: 310-821-9409
  GCI addresses conservation problems of cultural property through its programs in scientific research, training, documentation, and publications and its administration of the Conservation Information Network (CIN).

• The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC)
  6 Buckingham Street
  London, England WC2N 6BA
  Phone: 01-1441-839-5975

• IIC-CG (Canadian Group)
  P. O. Box 9195 Terminal
  Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3T9
  Canada
  Phone: 613-998-3721
  Fax: 613-998-4721
  

• The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA): check out the consumer's section of the Web site for framing tips to help preserve the art you love.
  4305 Sarellen Road
  Richmond, Virginia (USA) 23231
  Phone: 1-800-556-6228 or 804-226-0430
  Fax: 804-222-2175
  Web site: www.ppfa.com
  E-mail: ppfa@ppfa.com

Things to Consider

Conservation and preservation of artwork takes time and expertise. Be wary of anyone who promises quick service. Be clear on the basis of all charges. Realize that not all conservators agree with certain treatment options. Speak with several conservators if you are not comfortable about your options. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Some of these might include:

• conservator's training and length of professional experience
• scope of practice (is conservation the primary activity?)
• experience with the type of art for which you seek help
• references and previous clients

What to Expect

• Your artwork should be examined by the conservator prior to any work being done. You should receive a written preliminary report which explains the proposed treatment, expected results, and estimated costs. You should be consulted if any deviation from this report is needed.
• Costs and schedules should be outlined. Ask about insurance, payment terms, shipping, and any additional fees. Allow plenty of time in case there is a backlog of work (although the schedule should be discussed prior to treatment).
• You should receive a treatment report once the work has been completed. This report should include the list of materials and procedures used and "before" and "after" photographs may be included. It is also helpful if this document outlines continued care and maintainance of the artwork.

Some Additional Publication Titles by AIC

• Caring for Your Paintings
• Caring for Your Treasures -- Books to Help You
• Basic Guidelines for the Care of Special Collections
• Caring for Your Photographs
• Caring for Works of Art on Paper
• Matting and Framing Works of Art of Paper
• Caring for Your Wooden Artifacts
• Caring for Your Architecture

Please visit AIC's Web site for current information (link is at the top of this page).